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Traveling to Britain? Looking for an overnight stay (or longer) at a real medieval castle? This page provides just a sampling of information and links to some of Britain's castles available for holiday let. Note: The Castles of Wales is not responsible for the accuracy of information found in this section. We are not travel agents.
The Castles of Britain web site also provides listings and contact information for many castles throughout Britain offering visitors varying degrees of accommodation. The page also provides links to individual castle's web sites for more specific details.
http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castle4.htm
Wales
Gwydir Castle
Gwydir Castle is situated in the beautiful Conwy Valley and is set within a Grade 1 listed, 10-acre garden. Built by the illustrious Wynn family c1500, Gwydir is a fine example of a Tudor courtyard house, incorporating re-used medieval material from the dissolved Abbey of Maenan. Further additions date from c1600 and c1826. The important 1640s panelled Dining Room has now been reinstated, following its repatriation from the New York Metropolitan Museum.
Two rooms are available, the 'King's Room,' with its en-suite bathroom, and the 'Duke of Beaufort's Chamber,' with its own private bathroom adjacent. Both rooms have four-poster beds, overlooking the gardens. The bedrooms are furnished with antiques and, whilst retaining their historic charm, have all the (discreet) concessions to comfort and modernity that the gentle traveller might require.
The Castle is an historic hotel occupying the site and remains of Brecon castle, it enjoys tremendous views of The Brecon Beacons National Park, yet is close to the centre of the attractive and ancient market town of Brecon. The Castle Square, Brecon, UK, LD3 9DB Fax (44) (0)1874 623737, Phone 624611
Bryn Bras Castle offers a choice of exclusive Apartments, tastefully and imaginatively arranged within the unique and delightful Regency Romanesque-style Castle, set in truly peaceful surroundings and enjoying a generally mild climate amid the gentle foothills of Snowdonia's National Park. The castle was built between 1829 and 1835 for Thomas Williams, a Welsh attorney at law, and the design is attributed to the architect Thomas Hooper who was building Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, at the same time. Every apartment has been verified by the Wales Tourist Board, and all have attained Grade 5, the highest classification for self-catering properties.
http://www.wales-national-parks-holidays.co.uk/brynbras.html
Manorbier Castle is definitely well off the beaten track. Located in Pembrokeshire a few miles off the A4139 on the very narrow B4585, it rests in the lovely Welsh countryside described by that famous Welsh renaissance man, Giraldus Cambrensis as "the pleasantest spot in Wales". Historic castle on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast, reportedly available for holiday lets. South Pembrokeshire, telephone: (01834) 871317
A wonderful smaller "knights castle" that is one of the most interesting castles in all of Wales. Beautifully restored. The Castle is close to the Severn Bridge and is just off the A48 road, midway between Newport and Chepstow. It is easily accessible from the south of England and is just about a half hour drive from Cardiff. Penhow Castle, near Newport, Gwent, NP6 3AD, Telephone: +44 (0)1633 400800
This small 13th-century castle is located off a dirt road, but is easily seen from the main road leading south from St. Davids. A sign on the fence at the entrance to the castle informs visitors that the castle is available for holiday lets, but is not open to the general public. The caretakers of the castle live across the street, not far from a very interesting old church.
http://www.walesholidays.co.uk/rochcastle.html
A well-known, north Wales luxury hotel, complete with entertaining medieval banquet. The castle was begun by Edward I in 1277. It was granted to Dafydd ap Gruffydd and later to Reginald de Grey. A modern hotel (1853) occupies the south-west end of a single-phase castle with a pentagonal main ward on a ridge, and a small outer ward at lower level on the north-west. Ruthin, Clwyd, LL15. TEL: (01824) 702664
http://www.ruthincastle.co.uk/
Craig Y Nos Castle was for 50 years the home of Madame Adleina Patti, a world famous opera singer in the late 1800's. After her death the castle fell into disrepair. Now, the new owners, of Craig Y Nos, SelClene Ltd., are restoring the castle to its former glory. Extensive work on the roof has already been completed and much internal work has been done to restore the interior. Relax in a setting that once played host to European Royalty. With its 50+ beds, there is ample "budget" accommodation for backpacking tourists and walkers enjoying outdoor pursuits.
Scotland
Borthwick Castle
To the south of Edinburgh, off the A7, stands historic Borthwick Castle Hotel, a twenty minute drive from Scotland's capital. Built in 1430 by the Borthwick family, this ancient stronghold has witnessed many of the great events of Scotland's history at first hand. Notably, the safe keeping of Mary Queen of Scots following her wedding to the Earl of Bothwell and a forceful visitation by Oliver Cromwell in 1650. BORTHWICK, NORTH MIDDLETON, MIDLOTHIAN EH23 4QY. TEL: 01875 820514 FAX: 01875 821702
A Romantic 700 year old clan castle, now a well appointed country house hotel, set in 1600 acres of parkland grounds surrounded by spectacular scenery. Built in 1296, this grand ancestral seat of the once-feared Galbraith clan today overlooks 1,600 acres of superb parkland between the Campsie Fells and the Fintry Hills. The owners, the Haslams, have renovated Culcreuch as a first-class country hotel while preserving its august past in antiques, oil paintings and old, worn steps. Fintry, Stirlingshire, Scotland G63 0LW Telephone: 0 1360 860555 ~ ~ ~ Fax: 0 1360 860556
A beautiful and historic 700 year old castle nestling in woodland and pasture. Playing hosts to Kings, Queens, diplomats, politicians, and authors. Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh EH19 3JB, Scotland. TEL 44 (0800) 28 28 11
Set in the centre of Dornoch and probably built in the 15th Century as the Palace of the Bishop of Caithness. This imposing building with its spiral staircase and dungeons has been renovated to a very high standard and is but 5 minutes walk from a world famous golf course.
The ancient castle of Fernie in the parish of Monimail, four miles west of Cupar, was first recorded in 1353 when it belonged to the Earl of Fife - Duncan the 13th. By the fifteenth century, Western Fernie was held by a family known as Fernie of that Ilk and then, in the 16th century, by the Arnotts who kept it for a century. In 1680, the Balfours of Burleigh became the owners and their descendants retained the tenure until 1965. Letham, Nr Cupar, Fife, Scotland KY7 7RU. Telephone: 0 1337 810381 ~ ~ ~ Fax: 0 1337 810422
England
Amberly Castle
Amberley Castle was built in 1103 and is set between the rolling South Downs and the peaceful expanse of the Amberley Wildbrooks. Resident proprietors, Joy and Martin Cummings, have transformed this medieval fortress into a unique country castle hotel. They offer a warm, personal welcome and their hotel provides the ultimate in contemporary luxury, while retaining an atmosphere of timelessness. Amberley, near Arundel, West Sussex BNl8 9ND, TEL: +44 1798 831992 FAX: +44 1798 831998
Built in 1350, during the reign of Edward III, the castle has retained its architectural integrity and is regarded as one of the few medieval fortified Castle Hotels in England. The guest rooms are individually unique all with private facilities, some with four-poster beds, sauna and spa bath. Set in its own ten acre woodland estate, the castle's 7 feet thick walls provide a peaceful and tranquil refuge in which to escape from today's hustle and bustle to a bygone age. Haydon Bridge, Nr. Hexham, Northumberland NE47 5LU. Telephone: +44 1434 688888 FAX: +44 1434 684019
This magnificent 14th century castle offers an exciting blend of ancient history and modern convenience. Lumley Castle was built by Sir Ralph Lumley in the late 14th Century. He obtained permission from the bishop in 1389 and from the king (Richard II, a friend of Lumley) in 1392 to convert the manor house built by his father into a castle. The top of each tower has turrets from which an enemy could be spotted for miles around. The basement of the southwest tower was altered by Sir John Vanburgh, the architect of Blenheim, Castle Howard and Seaton Delaval Hall. The Baron’s Hall, where Elizabethan Banquets are now held, was originally larger with a minstrel’s gallery and the existing fireplace of local stone was inserted by Lord John Lumley in the late 16th Century and the Lumley coat of arms is carved into it. The hotel has 62 bedrooms each individually styled and appointed to a high standard. CHESTER-LE-STREET, COUNTY DURHAM DH3 4NX. TEL: 0191 389 1111 FAX: 0191 389 1881/0191 387 1437
Welcome to walworth castle, near darlington in the North of England, one of the country's finest historic hotels, parts of which date back to the twelfth century. Set in eighteen acre grounds, with a small wildfowl lake, this independently-owned hotel operates to 3 star standards and provides accommodation in thirty-four rooms, including eight four-poster beds, and four which are suites. Walworth, Darlington, County Durham, England DL2 2LY Telephone: 0 1325 485470 ~ ~ ~ Fax: 0 1325 462257
Ireland
Ashford Castle
Dating back to the 13th century and set amid 350 acres of parkland, Ashford Castle is one of Europe's most luxurious hotels. It offers a delightful blend of old and new. A sense of history pervades its panelled halls - an air of relaxation fills the lounges. Built for the pleasure of the elite, Ashford today continues the tradition of luxury, comfort and enjoyment. This sporting estate has welcomed Kings and courtiers, princes and presidents, lords and ladies. Cong, County Mayo, Ireland. Tel: +353-92-46003 Fax: +353-92-46260
Located amid six golf courses in beautiful Kerry County, this 15th century castle provides the ideal respite. Ballyseede Castle is a large three-story block over a basement, with two curved bows on the entrance front and another bow at the south side and a battlemented parapet. Pedimented and fanlighted cut stone doorcase follow a broad flight of steps up to the hall door. Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. TEL 44 (0800) 28 28 11
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